The attention of both Kenyan and foreign observers was mainly focused upon two issues throughout 1997, both arising from Pres. Daniel arap Moi’s mostly uncompromising attitude toward his critics. First, the president’s fierce opposition to demands for reform of the constitution before the next elections--scheduled to be held before the end of the year--caused recurrent protests that increasingly led to outbreaks of violence. Second, the president’s failure to take effective action to combat high-level corruption caused donor agencies to have grave doubts about Kenya’s future, even though they readily acknowledged the government’s success in introducing economic reforms that had cut inflation and reduced the budget deficit.

Donor concern was sharpened on January 15 when the president reappointed to his Cabinet the former energy and industry minister, Nicholas Biwott. Biwott had been deeply involved in allegations of corruption in connection with the award of contracts for building the Turkwell Gorge dam in northern Kenya in 1986. In March two additional controversial contracts, awarded by the state-owned Kenya Power and Lighting Company in 1996, led both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to demand clarification regarding the process of bidding for contracts.

In late May Moi rejected demands from church leaders and opposition parties for constitutional reforms aimed at increasing civil liberties and eliminating the ruling party’s unfair advantage in elections. Criminal gangs not directly involved in politics then took advantage of an unlicensed opposition rally in Nairobi to indulge in violence and looting. On July 7, amid clashes between security forces and protesters taking part in pro-reform rallies across the nation, police took violent action against worshippers in Nairobi’s All Saints Anglican Cathedral; this incident led to further confrontation between security forces and protesters demanding constitutional reform. It also encouraged donor nations to urge the president to agree to repeal laws that appeared to weigh the polls in his favour.

When a court case in which leading government officials were accused of involvement in serious fraud was dismissed in June on a technicality, the IMF threatened to suspend its loan agreement, and donor countries canceled a meeting scheduled for late July. Faced with such pressure, the president appeared to give way, offering to help pass legislation through the current legislature to enact reform. His proposal contributed to the existing divisions among his opponents. Some were prepared to take the offer of reform legislation at its face value, but the majority insisted on continuing their protest. These divisions had been reinforced in June by the decision of Kenneth Matiba, chairman of the opposition Forum for Restoration of Democracy-Asili party, to resign from the legislature and to boycott any elections, a course of action that other opponents of the government declined to follow.

Late in July, to the consternation of donor agencies, Moi dismissed his most senior customs officer, Samuel Chebii, who had been playing a vital role in campaigning against corruption. A few days later the finance minister, Musalia Madavadi, wrote an official letter to the managing director of the IMF agreeing to reinstate Chebii and suggesting other measures that the government might take to check corruption and improve the economy. On July 31, however, the letter was withdrawn on the order of Moi himself, and at that point the IMF suspended its loan program. The immediate result was a sharp drop in the value of the Kenyan shilling, which caused grave concern in Kenyan financial circles. The IMF relented on August 23, offering to recommend payment of the second part of the loan if the government took steps to secure the independence of the Revenue and Anti-Corruption Authorities, to improve the management of its energy sector, and to ensure accountability for past financial infractions.

On September 11 the legislature agreed to measures repealing laws allowing detention without trial and the regulation of political gatherings. Moi gave his own assent on November 7, and on November 12 it was announced that presidential and legislative elections would take place on December 29. Because of logistic problems, the election was extended to December 30. On the last day of the year, amid charges of fraud from all sides, it appeared that President Moi would be reelected.Kenneth Ingham

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